🥒 Chinese Cucumber Salad (Cool, Crunchy & Sesame-Kissed)

Description

This cold appetizer is a Chinese classic — crisp smashed cucumbers tossed with garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. It’s quick, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between tangy, salty, and nutty.

Ingredients

• 🥒 400 g cucumbers, smashed and chopped into chunks (3 cups)
• 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 🧂 ½ tsp salt
• 🍚 15 ml rice vinegar (1 tbsp)
• 🫒 10 ml soy sauce (2 tsp)
• 🍯 5 g sugar (1 tsp)
• 🌿 10 ml sesame oil (2 tsp)
• 🌶️ Optional: pinch of chili flakes
• 🧊 Optional: crushed ice for chilling before serving

Preparation

1. 1️⃣ Smash cucumbers: Cut off ends, then press whole cucumbers gently with the side of a knife until cracked. Cut into bite-size pieces.
2. 2️⃣ Salt and rest: Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain excess water.
3. 3️⃣ Mix dressing: In a bowl, combine garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
4. 4️⃣ Toss: Mix cucumbers with dressing. Let sit for 5 minutes or chill before serving.

Total Time

🛠️ Prep: 10 min
🕒 Total: 10 min (+ optional rest)

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